Red Bull Racing team principal Laurent Mekies has thrown his support behind Yuki Tsunoda, insisting the Japanese driver deserves another opportunity to secure a full-time seat in Formula 1.
Tsunoda, who currently serves as a reserve and simulator driver for Red Bull, was dropped from a race seat at the end of the 2025 season. The team opted to promote rookie Isack Hadjar, leaving Tsunoda on the sidelines despite his prior experience on the grid. His demotion followed a difficult campaign in which he struggled to meet expectations after stepping in for Liam Lawson at the Japanese Grand Prix earlier that year.
Over the course of the 2025 season, Tsunoda managed to collect just 33 championship points, finishing down in 17th place in the standings. In contrast, his teammate Max Verstappen delivered a vastly stronger performance, amassing 421 points and narrowly missing out on another world title. Tsunoda was also outperformed by both Lawson and Hadjar, who finished ahead of him with 38 and 51 points respectively, further intensifying scrutiny on his performances.
Despite these setbacks, Mekies remains convinced that Tsunoda still has the pace and ability required to compete at the highest level. Speaking on the Beyond the Grid podcast, the Red Bull chief praised Tsunoda’s professionalism and dedication, particularly highlighting his contributions behind the scenes.
According to Mekies, Tsunoda has become an invaluable asset in his current role, excelling as both a reserve driver and a simulator specialist. His recent experience with the car and detailed technical feedback have proven beneficial to the team as they navigate a challenging period under the sport’s new regulations. Mekies emphasized that drivers of Tsunoda’s calibre are naturally driven to race and expressed hope that he will soon return to the grid.
The timing of Mekies’ comments comes amid a turbulent phase for Red Bull. The team has endured a disappointing start to the 2026 season, with their RB22 car struggling with balance issues and overall performance. After just three races, Red Bull find themselves languishing in sixth place in the constructors’ standings with only 16 points — a surprising position for a team that has dominated in recent years.
Uncertainty also surrounds Verstappen’s future, with reports suggesting the reigning star is seriously considering stepping away from the sport. His frustration with the 2026 regulations and car characteristics has been well documented, adding further pressure on the team during an already difficult campaign.
Mekies acknowledged that the second seat alongside Verstappen has historically been one of the most demanding roles in Formula 1. Red Bull have long struggled to find a driver capable of consistently matching their lead driver, and the team is continuing to evaluate its options moving forward.
However, Mekies made it clear that Tsunoda remains firmly in contention. He reiterated that the Japanese driver’s speed and determination have not gone unnoticed and suggested that a return to full-time racing could be on the horizon.
As Red Bull look to rebuild momentum, Tsunoda’s persistence and continued development may yet earn him another shot at proving himself on the Formula 1 stage.
